How to Become a Plastic Surgeon in the UK
If you love anatomy, enjoy solving problems with your hands, and want to help people feel confident, plastic surgery could be your calling. The road to a consultant plastic surgeon is long, but breaking it down into clear stages makes it doable.
1. Get into Medical School
First, you need a medical degree (MBBS, MBChB, or equivalent). Most UK students apply through UCAS and need strong A‑levels (usually AAA) or International Baccalaureate scores, plus a good UCAT or BMAT result. If you’re an overseas graduate, you’ll need a recognized degree and registration with the GMC.
During the five‑year program, focus on surgical rotations, anatomy labs, and any plastic‑surgery‑related electives. Extracurriculars like research projects on wound healing or cosmetic techniques can give you an edge when you apply for the next stage.
2. Complete the Foundation Programme
After medical school, you enter the two‑year Foundation Programme (FY1 and FY2). This is where you rotate through core specialties – surgery, medicine, emergency, and sometimes a dedicated plastic surgery placement if your Trust offers it. Use this time to seek mentorship from plastic surgeons and request audit or research opportunities.
Strong performance in the Foundation Programme, especially in surgery, is essential for the next step: Specialty Training.
3. Secure a Core Surgical Training (CST) Post
Core Surgical Training lasts two years (CT1‑CT2). You’ll cover general surgery, trauma, and orthopaedics, building the operative skills plastic surgery demands. While you’re in CST, apply for the competitive “Plastic Surgery Training Application” through Oriel. Having publications, presentations, or a project on reconstructive surgery can boost your application.
If you’re accepted, you’ll move into Specialty Training (ST3‑ST8) for plastic surgery.
4. Plastic Surgery Specialty Training (ST3‑ST8)
This six‑year programme is split into two parts: ST3‑ST5 (basic training) and ST6‑ST8 (higher training). You’ll rotate through burns, hand surgery, aesthetic procedures, and cranio‑facial reconstruction. Each year you’ll be assessed with the MRCS (Surgery) exam and later the FRCS (Plastic Surgery) exam.
Logbooks, operative numbers, and multispecialty assessments are recorded on the ISCP platform. Consistently meeting the required competencies is vital for progression.
5. Achieve CCT and Become a Consultant
After successfully completing ST8 and passing the FRCS, you receive a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). This lets you apply for consultant posts in NHS hospitals or private clinics.
Many new consultants continue research, obtain additional fellowships (e.g., aesthetic or microsurgery), and join professional bodies like the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) to stay current.
Remember, the journey can take 12‑15 years from school to consultant. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but the mix of clinical challenge, artistry, and patient impact makes it worth every step.
Ready to start? Talk to a career advisor, shadow a plastic surgeon, and map out your timeline. With clear goals and steady effort, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding surgical career in the UK.
